Do This Before You Go on Vacation | Sail250 | Avoid Invasive Plant Species | 4th of July Events | Borrow a Book

Happy June! I hope a well-deserved vacation is in your future. Before you head out, review the checklist below to keep your home secure while you are away. 

There are a lot of good reasons to get outside this month. The United States of America is celebrating 250 years, and the city is marking it with Sail250 Maryland (June 24–30). Tall ships from around the world will enter the Inner Harbor, and on select dates the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, along with British and French air forces, will fly over the waterfront. If you've never seen sailors "manning the rail" — standing atop the masts as a ship comes in — it's worth seeing in person.

If you're working in the garden, think twice before buying something just to fill a gap. Invasive plants are easy to grab at a nursery and hard to get rid of. English Ivy is a good example: I spent years digging it out of our first home's lawn and beds. Strong forearms required. This list is worth bookmarking before your next trip to the garden center.

Looking for a summer read? One of my clients recommends using the Libby App to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for FREE if you have a library card. It's a great way to try out a beach read. Another client maintains her street's Little Free Library, a free book exchange box where neighbors can donate and pick up books. Share your joy of reading and pass on a book you've finished. If there is no Little Free Library near you, you can donate books to The Book Thing or the Maryland Book Bank. 

Enjoy a relaxing summer! 
Jen

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